[sayitaintsoap]

Doesn't need to be super, super high end but something decent sounding would be good. It needs to be network compatible for internet radio and preferably Tidal for streaming music. I'm looking at a model from Pioneer, Yamaha, and Onkyo. Is there a general consensus on what brand makes audiophile quality products? The one's i'm looking at are: 
 
The Pioneer XC- HM86 http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/2-Channel+Components/XC-HM86
 
The Yamaha RN500 http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/hifi-components/stereo-receivers/r-n500_u/?mode=model
 
Onkyo TX 8160 http://www.onkyousa.com/Products/model.php?m=TX-8160&class=Receiver&source=prodClass
 
The Onkyo is the only one that mentions the DAC in the product features/specs. An AK 4452. 
 
I think only the Pioneer has Tidal support so that's a plus. 
 
I mean, it doesn't really matter all that much. I just need something network capabable so anything would suffice but I just figured I'd make a thread here to see if any audiophiles have any opinions on receivers. I know very little about speaker setups. I'm more into headphones. Any advice is appreciated. 

 

[ProtegeManiac]

  Doesn't need to be super, super high end but something decent sounding would be good. It needs to be network compatible for internet radio and preferably Tidal for streaming music. I'm looking at a model from Pioneer, Yamaha, and Onkyo. Is there a general consensus on what brand makes audiophile quality products? The one's i'm looking at are: 
 
The Pioneer XC- HM86 http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/2-Channel+Components/XC-HM86
 
The Yamaha RN500 http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/hifi-components/stereo-receivers/r-n500_u/?mode=model
 
Onkyo TX 8160 http://www.onkyousa.com/Products/model.php?m=TX-8160&class=Receiver&source=prodClass
 
The Onkyo is the only one that mentions the DAC in the product features/specs. An AK 4452. 
 
I think only the Pioneer has Tidal support so that's a plus. 

 

Going by their past stereo amps/integrated amps as an indicator of what might be the best amp circuit, the safest bet would be Onkyo. Barring that nice but barely popular Pioneer Premiere SACD+Int Amp combo (the ones in the fancy aluminum case), I never really liked Pioneer. Sound tended to be hollow. Yamaha tended to be brighter. Onkyo tended to be the Goldilocks, but it's not popular here either because they sell for more than NADs, which sound better.

NAD doesn't have network 2ch receivers though so if it's my money and I can't listen to them, I'd bet on Onkyo.

 

[yage]

I'd get the Pioneer, as it has the best chance for minimizing issues with TIDAL streaming.

 

[sayitaintsoap]

  I'd get the Pioneer, as it has the best chance for minimizing issues with TIDAL streaming.

Hm, dumb question. I just noticed it just says 2-ch Network Amplifier. It's also got to have a dac, right? "2-ch network amplifier", same thing as a receiver I'm assuming.

 

[yage]

It should have a DAC built-in if it can do streaming. A receiver usually means an integrated amplifier (pre + power amp) with FM/AM tuner. I guess a 'network amplifier' adds in streaming over wi-fi / Ethernet as well.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

  Hm, dumb question. I just noticed it just says 2-ch Network Amplifier. It's also got to have a dac, right? "2-ch network amplifier", same thing as a receiver I'm assuming.

 
It should since it otherwise won't be able to decode the digital audio in the network attached storage drives.